Things of Note: 2025
A look back on the moments that mattered most.
A Note from our Founder, Shelly Lynch-Sparks:
“2025 was a really special year, both personally and professionally. My daughter arrived in January and has been a constant source of Joy (her middle name) ever since. Becoming her mom shifted my perspective in ways I didn’t expect, inspiring me to be more thoughtful and intentional with how I spend my time and energy. That mindset carried into our work at Hyphen, where hospitality took center stage. We supported the expansion of two incredible partners, WTHN and Great Many, designed one of Manhattan’s most talked-about restaurants, Danny’s, and brought a beautiful wine bar, Carberry, to the North Shore of Long Island. Restaurant design is one of our passions but thoughtful design is at the heart of what we do, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the brands we work with grow while staying true to our ethos - that the love of design lives in the details. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. LFG, Year of the Horse!”
We’re kicking off the Year of the Horse at full speed, saying goodbye to the Year of the Snake. 2025 was all about renewal and growth through pausing, refining, and trusting that thoughtful reflection leads to more intentional work. This guided us through an exciting expansion of our hospitality projects in spaces like Danny’s, Carberry, and Yum’s of PDX. Designing environments where people eat, drink, gather, and linger has become a big part of our world. This past year, we also had the pleasure of designing WTHN NoHo's fourth(!) NYC location. No matter the space, watching our work come to life never gets old.
The Year of the Horse is all about forward motion, inviting fresh opportunities, personal growth, and the confidence to go after more. We’re excited to lean into that energy with our clients, push ideas further, and keep designing spaces that feel as good as they look.
As we shed the past year, we wanted to take a moment to think about what made 2025 so special. Our team had a lot of high points, from work wins to personal goals, so here’s what they had to say:
Natalie, Technical Interior Designer: I’m proud of the restaurant spaces we finished this year - Yum’s of PDX and Danny’s. I initially pursued interior design with the goal of designing a variety of food and beverage spaces, so it feels like such an accomplishment to have worked on these projects. I’m looking forward to the next ones!
Diana, Content & Marketing Coordinator: I’m really happy with all of the video content we’ve produced over the past year. That’s been a big growing spot, and I’m excited to continue learning more. Personally, I’m very grateful for all the quality time I spent with my friends both in New York and back home. We successfully planned the first out-of-country girls’ trip to Cabo in 2025, and are working on Portugal + Spain 2026!
Derek, Interior Design Assistant: I’m very proud to say that I take responsibility seriously. In the past year, I got married, I became a dad, and I like to help my family and others. I’m very reflective of my actions and emotions, and I’m always looking to be a better person each day.
Emma, Junior Interior Designer: This year, I visited three countries that were new to me - Finland, Denmark, and Thailand. Finland was a winter wonderland, and we were lucky enough to see the northern lights! In Thailand, I visited an ethical elephant sanctuary that rescues elephants from all over the country. This was Kham San, a female elephant who was very sweet. I’m looking forward to more travels in the new year!
Anna, Director, Technical Design: In 2025, I am most proud of finding more time for relaxation and self-care. I have improved at enjoying life at a slower pace and intentionally taking time away from screens to be more present with my family and friends.
Emily, Interior Designer & Project Manager: A favorite memory from last year was renting a lake house with my friend group in Pennsylvania. With everyone on such different schedules, it is rare for us all to be together at the same time, so carving out a full weekend to slow down and spend time together was really fun.
Nathelie, Director, Operations & Brand: In 2026, I’m looking to be more mindful and focused on what I’m doing. Whether that’s with family, work, or with friends. I want to move with intention and be more present, less distracted. The idea of doing just one thing at a time. This is really important to me as I get older and feel like time is flying by.
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Cheers to the ideas that worked, the ones that surprised us, and the spaces that made it all worth it. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to continue creating together.
Wishing you an inspiring Year of the Horse,
From the Corner Chaise